Product Roundup: 12 Dog Toys That’ll Save Your Shoes
You just spent $30 on that new “indestructible” dog toy. Your dog approves, of course — but within minutes a light dusting of stuffing covers your living room. Even worse? Your dog turns up his nose and ignores your $30 gift. Either way, you’re out of some money and your dog already needs a new toy. How do you find the best dog toys?
We’ve gathered some of the highest-rated toys on the market to help you avoid this situation. We’ve also injected some of our own personal experiences into this list of the best dog toys for 2022.
12. Goughnuts Maxx 50 Ring: Best Toy to Save Your Shoes
Let’s face it: some dogs are addicted to chewing. There are many reasons why dogs chew, whether it’s separation anxiety, teething or healthy chewing behaviors.
Spare your sneakers with a toy like the Goughnuts Maxx 50 Ring. This chew toy is so strong because it’s literally made from space rubber. That’s right, the reinforced natural rubber used in this toy is the same material that engineers use for space shuttles.
The manufacturers claim the Maxx 50 Ring is indestructible, so it can stand up to even the toughest chewer. They back up the promise with a lifetime guarantee, making it well worth the higher price point. You’ll know it’s time to send the ring back to the manufacturer when your dog has chewed through to its colored center core (see video below).
With three sizes and multiple durability levels available, there’s a Goughnuts Ring for every breed!
11. HearDoggy! Ultrasonic Squeaker: A Dog Toy to Save Your Sanity
Dogs are certainly sensory creatures — they love nothing more than the squeaking and crinkling of a favorite toy. Pet owners? Not so much.
That’s where the HearDoggy! Ultrasonic Squeaker comes into the picture. It offers the best of both worlds. When your dog plays with this simple plush toy he’ll get all the sensations that go along with a normal squeaker without driving you mad.
Using patented SilentSqueak technology, the squeaker is tuned to the 24–28 KHz frequency. That means it’s almost inaudible to human ears but well within the range of doggy ears. This is a major benefit for the many of us that are now working from home alongside our pets.
The plush toy is made with chew-resistant lining and reinforced seams. Even if your pup manages to rip it open, the stuffing-free design means it’s not going to make a mess of your living room.
10. OurPets IQ Treat Ball: Best Treat-Dispensing Dog Toy
Chews and squeakers are fun but aren’t the most mentally-stimulating dog toys — and my dog loves a good challenge. When you want to present a bit of a mind puzzle for Fido, the OurPets IQ Treat Ball is our favorite treat-dispensing dog toy.
This round ball comes in two sizes: 4” for breeds like retrievers, Labs and German shepherds and a 3” for breeds like terriers, corgis and beagles. The hard plastic construction makes it durable enough for regular use — though it’s important to note that this toy is not for aggressive chewers. Because it comes apart into three pieces, it’s super easy to clean (but hand wash only).
Dogs will learn how to roll the ball in a manner that delivers the most treats. Once they’ve mastered one difficulty setting, you can adjust it to increase the challenge!
9. Tuffy’s No Stuff Ring: Best for Indoor Fetch
If you’re an apartment dweller like me and my family, it’s important to have a cache of indoor-friendly dog toys. You can’t always make it out to the dog park to play fetch; for those times there’s Tuffy’s No Stuff Ring.
The ring is made of polyester and fleece so it’s soft enough to cuddle and you can toss it around inside without worrying about destroying your living room. Seven rows of stitching provide the ring with added durability during rough play and a simple yet rugged construction means it’s also great for outdoor play.
Another feature of the Tuffy’s No Stuff Ring is built-in squeakers. This simple yet appealing dog toy is versatile enough to provide fun in just about any setting.
8. Kong Classic: Stands Up To Professional Dog Toy Destroyers
There’s no way we could make a dog toy list without including the classic: Kong. No dog should live its life without having at least one Kong, though most dogs will probably own dozens throughout their lives!
The design of Kong is extremely simple, it’s a beehive-shaped rubber toy with a hollowed-out center that’s perfect for hiding treats. Smearing peanut butter into the center offers a distraction so you can clean the kitchen in peace. Check out the video below for even more ideas for using Kong!
The oblong shape of Kong makes it bounce every which way during a game of fetch, which always drives my dog nuts (in a good way). Kong’s rubber is designed for average chewers, with some models available for more aggressive chewers. My little terrier is an expert toy destroyer and our Kongs typically last twice as long.
Warning from personal experience: the classic model of Kong doesn’t float. I’ve learned that the hard way by tossing it out into the ocean and never seeing it again. Talk about a disappointed dog! There is a floating version of Kong available for your trips to the beach or lake!
7. ChuckIt!: Best Classic Ball Toy
Here’s another ultra-simple toy that wins major points for its functionality and extremely durable design. Sure you can buy tennis balls for much less, but they always end up shredded and you don’t want your doggy consuming that green fuzz. I don’t know why, but my dog turns her nose up at many balls, but the ChuckIt! always has her going nuts.
The ball is designed to be paired with a ball launcher, allowing you to send this ball flying much farther. The multicolored design makes it easy for you to spot in the grass even when your dog can’t. The squishy rubber construction and textured exterior will have your dog gnawing on this ball without abandon, perfect for dogs that love to chew.
ChuckIt! also sells an indoor alternative, perfect for those days you can’t make it out to the park.
6. Sprong: Best Ball Toy Alternative
If your dog is bored with regular balls and the Kong is too old hat, consider the similarly-named Sprong! This roundish dog toy is squishy, velvety and its multi-pronged shape makes it bounce every which way. Did we mention it squeaks too?
Sprong isn’t just for playing fetch either — the soft rubber foam construction is gentle enough for long chewing sessions. Dogs will enjoy chewing on the toy but it has enough “give” to be gentle on a dog’s teeth and jaws.
5. Bark Super Chewer: Best to Cut Down on Cleanup After the Inevitable Dog Toy Destruction
Let’s face it: in the hands of some of the most aggressive-players, many dog toys can only withstand the onslaught for a few hours. We’re not saying that will happen with this Super Chewer from Bark (the company that brought you the Bark Box), but this stuffingless toy won’t cause a huge mess when your four legged friend’s determination finally pays off.
The core of the Bark Super Chewer is made from rubber, making it extremely satisfying to chew on. The core is lined with extra-tough fur that holds up to even the most enthusiastic shaking, pulling and gnawing. The one downside to the product is that it’s exclusively sold through Target, so you’ll have to check your local store and see if it’s in stock.
4. Furbo Dog Camera: Best Tech Toy
As we hurtle into an increasingly tech-driven world, why not bring that into the pet space too? Using the Furbo smartphone app, this camera allows you to monitor and interact with your dog remotely!
Okay so this camera is less a toy and more a tool for you and your pet’s comfort when you’re away from home, but it still belongs on this list. A two-way communication allows the dog to hear your voice and the cameras allow you to see and hear what’s happening at home. The camera even has a treat function that launches a snack for your dog to chase. It also communicates with Amazon Alexa.
For $6.99 a month you can subscribe to the Furbo Dog Nanny. Some of the benefits of this program include cloud recording, a doggie diary, an activity alert and advanced barking alert. Furbo touts the number of dog lives it’s saved, from fire to carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Trixie Mad Scientist Interactive Dog Toys: Best for the Brainiac Dog
Most of the toys on this list will keep any dog occupied. But some of us are lucky enough to have genius pups that get bored with simple toys within minutes. For those kinds of dogs, only the most advanced interactive toys will hold their attention.
The Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Interactive Dog Toy is our choice for high-intelligence dogs. It’s not so much an individual item but instead a series of puzzle-like dog toys that test your dog’s memory and attention span — though the common denominator with each of these toys is that they offer a reward. There’s a windmill, a “flip and fun” plate, “flower tower” and even a chess game!
2. Mammoth Flossy Rope: Best for Endless Games of Tug-Of-War
Sometimes all a dog wants to do is battle for a bit of rope! My dog’s favorite game is tug-of-war and while it’s a pretty simple activity, it’s important to have a great rope. The Mammoth Flossy Rope is regarded as one of the best rope toys on the market because it’s sturdy, colorful and the flossy construction is actually good for your dog’s teeth!
While its main function is to be tugged and pulled or chased down in a game of fetch, it’s also serviceable as a chew toy. Just remember to monitor your dog when it’s chewing hard.
Mammoth sells the Flossy Rope in a variety of sizes, from the mini for dogs 15 pounds and under to the XL for 50 pounds or larger.
1. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel: Best Overall Dog Toy
The rest of the toys on our list are tops in a specific niche. Outward Hound’s Hide A Squirrel, however, is our best overall dog toy. It’s hands-down one of the most popular and well-reviewed products on the market and is perfect for just about any breed or size pup.
For one thing, it’s an adorable toy. Little plush squeaky squirrels stick their heads out of a hollow log, fostering your dog’s hunting instincts and encouraging independent playtime. The squirrels double as launchable fetch-things, giving it great versatility.
The Hide A Squirrel is made of soft plush material, so while it’s not the most durable toy in the world it is gentle on teeth and gums. If a squirrel falls victim to an overly exuberant play session, they can be purchased separately.
Why Toys Are Important During Long-Distance Trips
Finding a great toy for your dog is particularly important during long-distance trips in the car or airplane. Firstly, it gives the animal a sense of comfort during an uncertain time. Secondly, it gives them an activity or something to chew on during the journey.
If you can’t drive your dog yourself the best option is to book a pet transportation professional. These drivers have experience transporting animals and will take great care of your pet, whether the trip is 100 miles or 2000 miles.
Using CitizenShipper, pet owners can negotiate details of the trip directly using an internal messaging system. When you book a pet transportation job and personally select the driver, you have more control over the process. If you need the driver to take more frequent stops to play with the dog, you can arrange those details.
If you have a pet shipping need, create a free post on CitizenShipper today. You’ll receive bids within minutes and be able to arrange details with drivers in real-time.
